Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 239(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
“She’s in pain.”
Nicoli nodded. “I know. And someday down the road, when she thinks about this day and tells you how she felt so alone, you can tell her that she wasn’t, even if she didn’t know it.”
The Wedding
Foreword: The Wedding takes place directly at the end of The Arrangement. This deleted scene was an either, or kind of choice, and that’s why it was left out. I could have ended book one with Nicoli’s letter, or skipped the letter and did this scene. I tried both, it didn’t fit. Obviously, I ended up choosing the letter, and I preferred it that way.
“You okay?” Ivan asked.
Anton didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely.”
“No nerves?”
“Not a single one.”
His oldest, most trusted friend chuckled. “Then quit wringing your hands together like you’re about to meet death.”
Anton stopped fidgeting. “I’m not nervous.”
I don’t doubt it, man,” Ivan replied. “All you’ve been working towards ever since you were eighteen was marrying that girl. But, you look nervous fucking around with your hands and that’s not like you. People will think you’re nervous. So, quit it.”
Sighing, Anton conceded to his friend’s point. Quickly, he surveyed the hundred or so guests sitting in their silk-covered chairs waiting for the ceremony to begin. The Justice of the Peace with her leather-bound book in hand who would marry them stood just inside the archway laden with gold and black silks.
“It’s actually happening,” Anton said quietly.
Ivan smiled. “It is.”
Anton gave the space and the guests another one-over from the entryway. A satin, stark white runner lined the aisle between the two rows of chairs. Flickering flames from tealight candles danced in every corner of the room. Tapestry had been suspended from the ceiling, giving it a vaulted effect. White roses bunched in decorative displays hung from roped tulle tied to the backs of every chair. Petals littered the runner and floor. Shimmering golds and varying shades of black gave the room a royal, regal, and glamourous feel.
After the bomb, Anton hired an extra planner to work around the clock with the designer to put Viviana’s ideas into physical form and ensure they would be perfect. His lover had been in the midst of recovering from her injuries, not to mention the unpleasant side-effects that came along with the first couple of months of pregnancy. The last thing Viviana needed was stress. Anton wouldn’t stand for it, regardless of how many times she insisted she was fine.
Nonetheless, he hoped Viviana was pleased with the outcome of her ideas and wishes for their wedding, even if she hadn’t been able to oversee every single detail.
“You ready?” Ivan asked.
Anton nodded. He was so much more than just ready. “Yeah, let’s go get me married, man.”
With his best man in tow, Anton strode to the front of the aisle, stopping to say hello to a few of the guests he hadn’t seen in a while. He also stopped to give his mother a kiss as she sat in her seat in the front row beside his father. At the front, he stood on the raised platform with Ivan at his side, waiting for his always and ever beautiful Viviana.
The ceremony would be simple, as they both wanted. Little religious aspects would play a part. Their vows were handwritten. There were no children to play a flower girl or ring bearer. No half of a dozen groomsmen and bridesmaids to march their way in. None of that was needed for Viviana and Anton.
Their wedding wasn’t intended to be a spectacle, but rather, a snapshot moment of what would be one event in their lifetime together. One they wanted to be witnessed, cherished, and celebrated with a select group of people in their lives.
Neither Anton, nor Viviana wanted some drawn out, over-the-top event. All they needed were the place, the people, their rings, the vows, the marriage license, and each other. After all, the best way to show how devoted to one another and in love they were was to take away all the outside and surrounding noise and unnecessary nonsense. That way, the only things that mattered—their love and commitment—were what was first on display.
Anton had his best man, of course. Ivan would always fill that spot better than anyone else he knew. Viviana had asked Jen to stand for her as her maid of honor, as she was the closest friend Viviana currently had. But other than the officiate marrying them, their guests, and the pianist who would keep a low melody playing during the ceremony, there was no one else.
Just them. And love.
Always, always love.
“Chin up,” Ivan said, drawing Anton from his thoughts. “It’s go time.”
Anton glanced up just in time to see Jen emerge from the sheer curtains covering the entranceway. She wore a knee-length gold number with a black sash cinched at her waist. According to Jen, it didn’t make a single fucking difference if black was the couple’s choice for one of their colors.